Stuart?"
"I have not; it was an out-side call -" Stuart turned to his
companion. "Sorry I brought you here on an idiotic chase, Mr.
Ferguson."
"That's all right," responded the detective good naturedly. "Would
you like me to look through the apartment just to see if any one
really is concealed on the premises, Mr. Kent?" he asked, and added
quickly, seeing Kent hesitate, "I am from the central office; Mr.
Stuart can vouch for me."
Kent's hesitation vanished. "I'd be obliged if you would, Ferguson."
As he spoke he led the way to Rochester's bedroom. "Come with us,
Stuart," as the clerk loitered behind.
"Guess not, sir; I'm needed down at the desk, we are short-handed
to-night. Let me know how the hunt turns out," and he stepped into
the vestibule. "Good night."
"Good night," called Kent, and he accompanied Ferguson as far as the
bathroom door, then returned to his inspection of Rochester's table.
He had just completed his task when the detective rejoined him.
"No trace of any one," the latter announced. "Some one put up a
joke on Stuart, I imagine.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80